UOW College Australia serves as the dedicated pathway provider to the University of Wollongong (UOW) and offers tailored English and academic programs to prepare students for undergraduate studies. Alongside academic support, UOW College Australia provides a Homestay Program, catering to both domestic and international students of UOW College Australia, the University of Wollongong, and The Illawarra Grammar School. This program promises care and assistance in settling into a new city and culture.
NEAS is pleased to assess and endorse UOW College Australia in the category of Quality Products and Services (Area O – Homestay Service Providers). The Quality Principles of Area O focus on the following critical aspects of the vendor’s service: its governance and management practices; the provision of a safe and comfortable living environment for students; its support for student welfare arrangements; and the training of host families for student welfare and wellbeing. Detailed information on Area O of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework can be referenced here: https://neas.org.au/resources/neas-quality-framework/#area-o.
UOW College Australia is commended for its clear policy and procedure documents, which undergo regular reviews and version control. Expectations for staff communication with hosts and students are outlined in a homestay email template, supplemented by newsletters to keep host families informed of their responsibilities and contact points for assistance. For under 18 students with a UOW College Australia Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter, expectations for both students and host families are clearly outlined and signed by both parties, with welfare and support sessions provided. The college oversees student movement with an Under 18 International Homestay Students Travel Application Form. Host families are directed to the NSW Government site for the Working with Children Check, and insurance requirements are detailed in the Host Families Terms and Conditions.
Anonymised student feedback further emphasises the positive experiences within the homestay program, with one student expressing, “This is the second time I experienced homestay!! It was a nice experience to stay and can learn other countries’ cultures,” while another shares, “My homestay family is very kind and interesting, so I am having a very enjoyable time!” Additionally, a host family provided glowing feedback, stating, “Homestay has been awesome. I’ve had some beautiful students staying and it’s been a fantastic experience.”
May 2024
